The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with obesity and
overweight among adult Saudis using a national survey data from 1990 to 1993. The study population
included 1652 men and 1619 women between 30 to 70 years of age. The prevalence of obesity was
49.15% in women and 29.94% in men, while the prevalence of being overweight but not obese was
31.55% in women and 41.91% in men. Obese and overweight women and men were significantly
more likely to be between 40–49 years of age, with higher income, and hypertensive. Although
physical activity was low in all women, obese women were significantly less likely to be engaged in
any physical activity. Obese and overweight men were more likely to be non-smokers. Intervention strategies
that target this population at risk are needed in Saudi Arabia.